Pain that is in the front part of the ankle is known as anterior ankle pain. One possible cause of anterior ankle pain is tibialis anterior tendonitis. The tibialis anterior is a muscle that runs along the outside of the shin and helps lift the foot up. When the tendon next to this muscle becomes inflamed, often due to overuse, it may lead to pain and swelling at the front of the ankle. The pain is usually at its worst when bending the toes or foot upwards. Another possible cause of anterior ankle pain is impingement. Anterior ankle impingement occurs when a bony growth at the front of the ankle bone restricts the ankle’s range of motion due to tissues being trapped between the bones. This condition is often seen in patients who have had a previous ankle sprain that has not healed properly. If you are experiencing pain in the front of your ankle, please seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Lubrina Bryant from District Podiatry, PLLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Washington, D.C . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.